Dharamsala, December 14, 2025: India put on a clinical display in the third T20 International against South Africa to win by 7 wickets, now leading the five-match series 2–1. The thrilling match at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium saw India bowl out South Africa for 117 and chase the target convincingly with 4.5 overs to spare.
Match Overview
South Africa Innings
South Africa posted a modest total of 117 all out in their 20 overs.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Markram (c) | 61 | 46 | 6 | 2 |
| Donovan Ferreira | 20 | 15 | 1 | 1 |
| Rest of South Africa | 36 | — | 0 | 1 |
South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram stood out with a fighting 61 off 46 balls, but wickets kept falling around him as India’s bowlers applied relentless pressure.
Bowling Highlights for India:
- Arshdeep Singh: 2/13
- Varun Chakaravarthy: 2/11
- Harshit Rana: 2/34
- Kuldeep Yadav: 2/12
- Shivam Dube & Hardik Pandya: 1 wicket each
One of the biggest highlights of the match came when Hardik Pandya picked up his 100th T20I wicket, dismissing Tristan Stubbs.
Strong bowling from the Indian pace and spin attack ensured South Africa never built substantial partnerships, setting up a manageable chase.
India Chase
India comfortably reached the target of 118 runs in 15.5 overs, finishing at 120/3.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | 35 | 18 | 3 | 3 |
| Shubman Gill | 28 | 28 | 5 | 0 |
| Tilak Varma* | 25 | 34 | 3 | 0 |
| Suryakumar Yadav (c) | 12 | 11 | 2 | 0 |
| Shivam Dube* | 10 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
*Not out
Key Performances:
- Abhishek Sharma set the chase alight with a power-packed 35 off 18, striking three sixes.
- Shubman Gill anchored the middle innings with 28 essential runs.
- Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube finished the match with composure to secure the victory.
India’s batting made light work of the modest target, putting pressure back on the South African attack early and never looking in trouble.
Series Implications
With this win, India leads the series 2–1 in the five-match T20I showdown. The momentum now shifts to the next games where South Africa will be eager to come back and level the series.
Player Highlights
Star Performers
- Aiden Markram: Lone bright spot for South Africa with a determined half-century.
- Abhishek Sharma: Quickfire start that set the tone for India’s chase.
- Varun Chakaravarthy & Arshdeep Singh: Excellent bowling efficiency, playing crucial roles in restricting the opposition.
Captain’s Insight
Suryakumar Yadav, India’s captain, led from the front and maintained strategic clarity in both bowling and batting decisions that helped India capitalize on key moments.
Match Facts at a Glance
- Series: South Africa tour of India, 2025
- Venue: HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
- Result: India won by 7 wickets
- India lead series 2–1
- India Bowled: South Africa out for 117/10
- India Chased: 120/3 in 15.5 overs
India will aim to extend their lead in the 4th T20I, while South Africa must regroup quickly to keep their series hopes alive.
